Will You Feast or Famine?
Stephanie Bateman // September 29, 2011
When guests arrived at Vinnie’s Pub the evening of September 14, they had no idea they were joining in a decades-long battle: “Today,” they were told, “you join the fight against hunger”.
The evening marked the beginning of many events to come from the WUSC committee. The first event of its kind in five years at Mount Saint Vincent University, WUSC’s “Feast or Famine” allowed guests to spend a few hours gaining insight into how people worldwide nourish themselves on a daily basis.
Upon arrival, guests were asked to reach in a bag and choose a coloured bracelet, uncertain what each of the different colours represented. When the doors opened, guests began to pile into Vinnie’s Pub certain they were going to be receiving a substantial meal. Those fortunate enough to choose green bracelets when entering the pub were treated rather nicely and escorted to their seats where a beautiful starter salad awaited. Those wearing a blue bracelet were placed in another section of the pub, also with seating. The majority of the participants remaining, however, wore pink bracelets and were asked to take a seat in the middle of the pub on the floor or on one of the very few benches.
Moments after guests were assigned to their seats, the twist of the evening was revealed. The colour of the bracelet each person had chosen upon arrival indicated which financial class they belonged to. This meant the colour of the bracelet ultimately determined what type of meal they would be receiving.
Those sporting green bracelets were categorized as the upper class. They received the full set of table accessories, utensils, etc. and sat down to a three course meal, beginning with a sumptuous starter salad. The middle class, comprised of those wearing blue bracelets, also had adequate seating, but received only one course – a stirfry. Finally, those wearing pink bracelets received floor seating and a minimal portion of rice and beans.
The breakdown of the financial classes by bracelet colour reflected that of the actual world population: 15 per cent of the world is upper class, 25 per cent is middle class and 60 per cent is lower class.
In addition to the meals, each person was given a small card with a description of a new identity for the evening. I was Bernabe Almazan from Mexico City. Throughout the evening a few people shared the stories written on each of the specific cards.
The event really opened my eyes although I was in the upper class being served by MSVU “royalty” (President, Dr. Ramona Lumpkin and Dr. Elizabeth Church). I felt incredibility helpless and guilty for being unable to share my meal with those sitting on the ground with only beans and rice to eat. Even though it seemed silly, as I knew the whole thing was completely role played, I still wished I could have at least given a little of what I had received. The event forced participants to reflect upon how fortunate they are to live in a country like Canada, and how no matter what, there are people in far worse situations.
Nearing the end of the event, numerous special guests shared their inspirational stories with participants. Two WUSC-sponsored students, including Halima, the very first MSVU WUSC-sponsored student, shared emotional stories about their lives as refugees before coming to Canada. Halima talked about the importance of education, explaining how the chance to continue her studies meant so much to her.
With over 100 tickets sold, Kay Balite, member of MSVU’s WUSC committee credits the success of the event to the many volunteers, sponsors (Chartwells, the Mount’s catering provider, and the international student health insurance provider, GuardMe) in addition to event advisor Ms. Paula Berry. The total of $4000 raised from the event will be matched by the Canadian Government.
The WUSC committee meets bi-weekly to discuss ways to create awareness, raise funds, and increase recruitment. For more information or to become a member of WUSC committee, contact Halima Abdille at halima.abdille@msvu.ca or isl@msvu.ca.
